The best Sound Control alternatives for Mac
Sound Control 3 is capable and runs on older macOS than almost anything else. People switch for simpler pricing, call features, or because they want a free app. Here are the options.
Short answer
- For an EQ plus call ducking: SoundDial ($12.99, Mac App Store).
- For call fixes, HDMI keys and device rules without an EQ: Faders ($5.99).
- Free: FineTune (macOS 15+).
- For plugins plus AirPlay: SoundSource ($49).
- On macOS 11 to 13, Sound Control is still your best paid option. Stay put.
Why people look for an alternative
- Two ways to buy. There's a $15 direct license and a separate App Store subscription ($1.99 a month or $14.99 a year), and they aren't interchangeable. Some people would rather have one simple purchase.
- Calls. Automatic ducking, a global mic mute and Bluetooth mic handling aren't listed.
- Free. Some people want an open-source app.
Quick comparison
| Price | macOS | EQ | Per-app output | Call ducking | HDMI volume keys | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Control 3 | $15 or subscription | 11.4+ | ✓ + AU | ✓ | Not listed | ✓ |
| SoundDial | $12.99 | 14.2+ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Not listed |
| Faders | $5.99 | 14.2+ | — (planned) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| FineTune | Free | 15+ | ✓ + AutoEQ | ✓ + multi-device | Not listed | Via DDC |
| SoundSource 6 | $49 | 15+ | ✓ + AU | ✓ + groups | Not listed | ✓ |
“Not listed” means we couldn't find it on the app's own site, not that it's confirmed missing. Checked October 2026.
The alternatives
SoundDial
It's a one-time App Store purchase with a 10-band EQ, per-app output, profiles and auto-ducking during calls. You lose Audio Unit effects and the 31-band EQ, and HDMI volume keys aren't listed.
Good
- One simple purchase
- Auto-ducking
- Profiles
Not so good
- No AU effects
- HDMI keys, device rules not listed
- macOS 14.2+
Faders
This is our app. It keeps the Sound Control features most people use day to day: per-app volume, routing, HDMI volume keys and device priority. It adds call ducking, a global mic mute and the AirPods call-quality fix. It drops the EQ and Audio Unit effects completely. If you use those, this isn't your pick.
Good
- Call ducking, mic mute
- HDMI keys + device rules
- One price, no subscription
Not so good
- No EQ, no AU effects
- No trial, no refunds
- Needs macOS 14.2
FineTune
It has an EQ with AutoEQ (which Sound Control users will recognize), routing, multi-device output and device priority, all free. It needs Sequoia, and monitor volume works over DDC only.
Good
- Free
- AutoEQ
Not so good
- macOS 15+
- No AU effects listed
SoundSource 6
This is the one to pick if you want everything Sound Control does plus Output Groups and AirPlay or Sonos streaming. It's the priciest option and needs macOS 15.
Good
- AU effects + AirPlay
- Free trial
Not so good
- $49
- macOS 15+
Stick with Sound Control if…
- You're on macOS 11 to 14.1. None of the paid alternatives here run there.
- You use per-app Audio Unit effects or the 31-band EQ.
- You want to try before you buy. It has a trial and Faders doesn't.
Questions
Is the App Store version of Sound Control the same as the direct one?
Static Z sells both, but they're separate purchases: a direct license, or an App Store subscription. Check their site for which suits you.
Does Faders have virtual volume for HDMI like Sound Control?
Yes. Faders adds software volume to HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, so your keyboard volume keys work, with an on-screen indicator.
Want one simple price and call features?
Faders is $5.99 once at launch. Try the live demo on the homepage first.